Presentation folder for color samples

ABSTRACT

Device for color samples including a presentation folder having at least two panels forming at least one panel pair, wherein the at least two panels are hinged by one or more spine. A first closed position for the at least two panels are arranged so that the at least two panels are aligned approximately parallel to one another with each panel of the at least two panels have an interior surface that faces towards the other. A second open position for the at least two panels, such that the interior surface of each panel of the at least two panels are visible and the at least two panels are aligned to one another at an angle. At least one card having at least one color sample, wherein the at least one card is positioned on the interior surface of each panel of the at least two panels, such that each card of the at least one card is arranged to partially overlap another card of the at least one card.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a presentation folder for color samples havingtwo panels forming a panel pair, such that the panels are connected toone another by a common spine like a book.

2. Discussion of Background Information

Presentation folders for color samples are known from practice in manycases, e.g., as a part of car brochures. The colors in which therespective car can be ordered are thereby reproduced as color printedareas on the pages of the brochure, e.g., approx. 10 to 20 colorsamples. Further, the term “color sample” is used to label an areadesigned in color which is not a part of a product provided with thecolor. For example, in the case of the car brochure, the feature ofsheet metal would not be presented as a substrate, as is the case withthe product, namely the automotive body.

A “color sample” within the scope of the present proposal, may denote asample that can be intended to reproduce only the coloring, and not thesurface or material properties of the product. These known presentationfolders for color samples are not published by the paint manufacturer,but by the vendor of the product provided with color, namely by theautomobile manufacturer.

Furthermore, so-called color fans are known from practice which are alsocalled color fan decks. These are long strips, each with several colorsamples, whereby all the strips are arranged congruently one on top ofthe other. At one end they are connected by a screw that serves as ahinge axis. Each card can thus be revealed by swiveling the cards lyingabove it.

All the cards can be fanned out into a full circle in aid of an overviewof as many of the color samples as possible. The color samples lyingradially further inwards, which are more closely adjacent to the screw,are thereby discernible to an increasingly smaller degree towards theinside, so that no good overview of all the color samples contained inthe color fan is possible.

Due to these constraints, in practice these color fans are not used toobtain an overview of all the color samples. In particular, all therepair paint colors of a paint manufacturer are shown on the color fanand, by holding a certain card against the automotive body of a vehicle,the closest color tone can be selected to be used for a repair painting.

Furthermore, from DE 295 10 090 U1 a presentation folder is known withseveral panels connected to one another in a hinge-like manner, in whichcommercial samples, not color samples, are provided on the panels. Thus,small-sized sections from an actual product, e.g., carpet are providedfor each panel of the several panels to create the presentation folder.These individual commercial samples are much thicker, compared to colorsamples. They are arranged separately next to one another on theindividual panels and held onto the panels in a removable manner. Withthis known prior art, a very broad spine is arranged between two centralpanels and further panels are respectively arranged laterally outsidethe two central panels. The outermost panels are turned inwards and thenthe two central panels can likewise be folded towards one another andthus closed.

For example, four panels used for the above mentioned presentationfolder forms two panel pairs with a comparatively narrow spine betweenthe respectively two panels of a panel pair. In this regard, the spineprovided between the two panel pairs is considerably broader. For theoptimum protection of the commercial samples, respectively two panels ofa panel pair are laid with their insides against one another. Sincesubsequently the two panel pairs thus “closed” are likewise brought intoa closed arrangement, so as to view commercial samples. Further, it isnecessary first to open the entire presentation folder and subsequentlyto open at least one of the panel pairs, so that in this arrangement,the presentation folder has a comparatively large space requirement ofthree or four panels.

These known presentation folders for commercial samples are notpublished by the manufacturer of the dyestuffs, but by the vendor of theproduct provided with dye, namely by a manufacturer of textiles orcarpet.

A presentation device for presenting commercial samples is known from DE200 19 409 U1, in which commercial samples, not color samples, arelikewise provided on the panels. Several sample carriers are detachablyconnected to one another and can be individually removed from thepresentation device. Each carrier can feature several panels connectedto one another in a hinged manner, whereby an approximatelyspiral-shaped folding of the individual panels of a sample carrier isprovided, as shown in FIG. 2 of DE 200 19 409 U1.

DE 295 10 090 U1 (as shown in DE 200 19 409 U1), shows the commercialsamples detachably connected to the individual panels, i.e., detachablyconnected to the carrier card. As with the former prior art, theapproximately spiral-shaped folding of the individual panels of acarrier card leads to a considerable space requirement. Further, acarrier card may have to be unfolded completely, i.e., so as to be fullyopened, in order to be able to view certain commercial samples.

Further, the above mentioned known presentation folders for commercialsamples are also not published by the dyestuffs manufacturer, but by thevendor of the product provided with the dye.

In practice, a paint manufacturer may need to present a very largenumber of colors to potential clients. For example, architects ordesigners may require an overview of, if possible, all the interior andexterior colors of a color tone system offered by the manufacturer. Inthis manner, one color tone system can include several hundred or evenseveral thousand color tones, depending on the manufacturer. In suchcases, due to the volume and weight, commercial samples in such numbersare not transportable by just one person or without great expenditure.Architects or designers want to be able to transport the color samplesto the client, e.g., in order to be able to make comparisons to alreadyexisting colored products.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention improves a generic presentation folder, so that itrenders possible for a single person to carry a mobile displaycontaining a very large number of color samples that can be presented toone or more clients. Further, the present invention can provide for eachindividual sample to be simultaneously accessible for viewing to the oneor more clients. Further still, any sample may be accessed as quickly aspossible for the one or more clients, along with being arranged tooccupy the smallest possible space requirement for the presentationfolder.

The invention provides for a presentation folder having color sampleswith two panels forming a panel pair, such that the panels are connectedto one another by a common spine like a book.

According to another feature of the invention, the panels mayrespectively include a plurality of cards, whereby each card can have atleast a single color sample. The individual cards can be arranged oneach panel, e.g., in the manner of roof tiles, wherein one section ofthe card may lie respectively lower, and project beyond the edge of thenext higher card. Resulting in all the cards being at least partiallyvisible at a glance, as well as all the color samples arranged to bevisible at a glance, e.g., providing the cards extend to the freevisible edge of the respective card.

According to another feature of the invention, it may be advantageousfor each card in turn so as to feature a plurality of color samples. Itis always assumed below, purely by way of example, that several colorsamples can be arranged on a common card. Purely by way of example, 10color tones can be arranged on a single card, and, e.g., about 40 cardscan be arranged on a panel, so that 400 color samples can be displayedon a single panel.

According to the invention, the above arrangement of the one or morepanels can advantageously result in displaying and presenting a uniqueoverview of all the colors of a color tone system. To this end, thepresentation folder can be spread out with all the panels so that theinsides of the panels and the cards are arranged thereon, andrespectively turned towards the one or more viewer. This may be achievedthrough an arrangement of the panels in the form of a leporello or aconcertina, thus through a zigzag arrangement, in contrast to theabove-mentioned arrangement of three or four panels to be folded in aspiral-like manner.

The presentation folder can advantageously feature more than two panelsso that, on the one hand, a large number of color samples can bedisplayed and, on the other hand, the area of each individual colorsample can be comparatively large in dimension in order to renderpossible the most realistic possible first impression of the coloreffect. With the cited use as a tool for clients, e.g., architects ordesigners, the presentation folder can be used by clients to make aquick preliminary selection from the overview of all the color tones.Subsequently, a few large-format color samples, e.g., letter-paper size,such as DIN A 4, may be obtained in order to gain a more realistic colorimpression, on which the final color selection can then be made.

According to the invention, it can be advantageous to provide four ormore panels, and/or an even number in each case, such as, e.g., 4, 6, 8or 10 panels. In this manner, the outer surfaces of the panels mayalways form the outside of the presentation folder. So that the insidesand the cards with the color samples can be arranged thereon, and arepositioned in a protected manner, safe from discoloration or damage.

According to another feature of the invention, the cards can be made ofpaper, which is a much lighter material, than say, for example colorsamples made of sheet metal, e.g., as used in showrooms in theautomobile industry. Further, reducing the overall weight of theplurality of cards and the plurality of color samples can provide easierhandling by one person. Thus, resulting in the presentation folder beingmore mobile, e.g., as a portable unit, and increasing the range ofapplications compared with, e.g., color sample display walls. Forexample, the presentation folder can contain, e.g., interior andexterior colors for the design of houses or apartments.

Furthermore, with paper there is the possibility of taking the samepaper as is used, e.g., for brochures, color fan decks or other coatedor printed color carriers so that, e.g., a coordinated system of paperand the fillers contained therein and the base colors and the specialpigment additives can be used, as might already be available in abusiness for producing high-quality paper printed products so that it ispossible to display the individual color samples with a particularlyfaithful color reproduction at comparatively low expenditure. Finally,paper is flexible and foldable, so that the individual cards on onepanel can easily be opened to provide a view of the next card beneaththem.

According to another feature of the instant invention, the card can bemade of plastic, which provides an advantage of a lightweight cardmaterial, as well as cards that are particularly moisture-resistant.

The color samples can advantageously be embodied as printed colors. Forexample, “printed” colors may also include a color coat application, inwhich a substrate, e.g., the card made of paper or a plastic sheet iscoated. The color coat application can take place with original colorson the substrate, while printing may include an attempted to reproducethe desired color tone from comparatively few basic printing inks. Thecolor accuracy of the reproduction is therefore greater with a colorcoat application by coating than with a color coat application byprinting. Regardless of these technically specific differences, the termprinting can be used for both color coat application methods in order todistinguish the color samples thus obtained from commercial samples inwhich both the surface facing the viewer and designed in color as wellas the substrate are embodied identically to the final product. This isknown, e.g., from the field of the automobile and textile industries, inthe form of paint on a sheet metal substrate or carpet pile on aso-called “foam backing.” However, the proposed presentation folder canbe used to display interior and exterior colors that are arranged on apaper or plastic substrate, whereas the actual product, namely a part ofthe house or an apartment decor, can have a wooden, textile or stonebase.

According to another feature of the invention, the presentation folderwith color samples embodied as printed colors has a weight advantageover prior art presentation folder using commercial samples attached tothe cards as separate elements. Thus it is known from practice, e.g.,that samples can be inserted into corresponding flaps or holdersprovided on the card, as well as magnetic samples being held on thecards magnetically. Besides having a weight advantage, the instantinvention can include color samples as printed colors, which providesfor arranging of a plurality of cards on a single panel. In particular,the instant invention creates a portable or mobile presentation folderthat can display a very large number of color samples, e.g. such as allthe colors of a complete color tone system.

According to another feature of the invention, the cards may be arrangedto overlap one another and not adhered to one another. Further, thecards can also be detachably attached to a panel having a hinge axis, sowhen the panel is folded open, a card located respectively underneaththe panel can be viewed while the panel is being opened. Accordingly,compared to the narrow marginal strip of each card, which is alwaysvisible through the overlapping arrangement of the individual cards,from the folding open of the upper cards. The card lying underneath thepanel being opened, becomes visible to a much greater extent, e.g.,advantageously more than 50%. For example, the card lying underneath thepanel being opened may even have a visibility of 80-90% of its entiresurface, whereby a client viewing the larger visible surface can beprovided with a particularly good assessment of the individual colorsamples.

Another advantage of the hinge axis for cards being made with paper maybe the creation of a score line, e.g., a bending line or folding line,such that the hinge axis divides the card into two sections. In crosssection, the card therefore has two side pieces, whereby a short sidepiece is connected to the panel, e.g., is adhered, and a longer sidepiece visibly supports the color sample for the viewer. To promote aneconomic production of the cards, it can be provided to arrange thecolor samples running over the entire width of the card, thus also onthe short side piece that is attached to the panel and on which thecolor sample is not visible to the viewer.

Presentation folders for commercial textile samples are known frompractice, in which the commercial samples are arranged in a steppedmanner such that a narrow strip of each sample is likewise visible. Allthe commercial samples are fixed at a common hinge axis, and theindividual visible strips result from different dimensions of thecommercial samples. In this regard, the lowest sample is larger than thesamples located above it. The thickness of the commercial samplesarranged on a panel thereby results directly from the material thicknessand the number of commercial samples.

In contrast to these known commercial textile samples, the color samplescan advantageously be arranged much flatter, in that the individualcards can be arranged on the panel staggered with respect to oneanother. The cards can thereby all have approximately the samedimensions, which simplifies the production of the cards. If, asdescribed above, it is provided for the hinge axis to divide the cardinto two sections, whereby the short side piece is connected to thepanel, the short side pieces of adjacent cards can be attached to thepanel closely adjacent to one another or even touching one another inorder to accommodate as many cards as possible on one panel.

According to another feature of the invention, the individual cards canfeature several color samples along the hinge axis, so as to provide theindividual color samples that can be arranged consecutively along thehinge axis. If it is assumed, e.g., that there is a comparatively smallnumber of dark shades, the gradation of these lightness values for aspecific color can take place on one and the same card. The plurality ofcolor nuances can be provided on the individual cards so that a gradualtransition of the individual color nuances is discernible along aspecific line which extends over several cards. Moreover, the differentlightness gradations of the above mentioned color nuance can then bevisible on each card. Overall, even with a different distribution of thecolor or lightness values mentioned above, the arrangement of theseveral color samples along the hinge axis of a card provides for aclear display of a plurality of color samples. Such that, the pluralityof color samples can be arranged in the smallest possible space whichrenders possible more color samples to be display than when using onewhole card per sample.

Further, the hinge axis along which the cards can be folded, can runparallel to the spine of the presentation folder. Thus, resulting in theindividual cards to be folded open or turned, as is known from leafingthrough a book. Moreover, the instant invention provides the user with asimple, ergonomically favorable and familiar handling method while usingthe presentation folder.

In order to retain this page-turning effect familiar from a book, thehinge axes of the cards of two adjacent panels respectively on the sameside of the panel, e.g., respectively on the left, are arranged so thatthe cards on all the panels can be folded open, as similar to whenleafing through a book.

According to another feature of the invention, the hinge axes of thecards of two adjacent panels can be arranged symmetrically to the spine,which can be provided between these two panels. In this manner, it canbe rendered possible that when the two panels are closed, e.g., when thetwo panels are pivoted from their opened viewing position into theirclosed position, the individual cards are neatly folded onto the panelwithout getting caught on one another or otherwise obstructing oneanother. Thus, an optimal protection of the individual cards and theindividual color samples may be ensured, even with the likelihood ofcareless handling of the presentation folder.

For example, if the hinge axes are respectively arranged closelyadjacent to the spine, this type of gentle placing of the cards againstone another is facilitated during closing. Further, since the cardsadjacent to the spine will be the first to have contact with one anotherduring the closing movement. The contact pressure of the cards willcontinue from the spine to the opposite edge of the panel, the furtherthe two panels are closed. Also, with the free end of the cards beingremote from the spine having the arrangement of the card hinge axestowards the spine, the cards can move easily under the contact pressure.Further, the cards can be aligned abutting flat against one anotherwithout meeting an obstructive resistance, since the movement of thecards will take place away from their hinge axis towards the free end ofthe cards.

Advantageously, the aspect of closure can be provided to hold the twoclosed panels in their closed arrangement and prevent an inadvertentopening of the presentation folder. In this manner, the cards and thusthe color samples are optimally protected. Moreover, if several panelsare provided, the handling of the entire presentation folder in itsclosed state is simplified, thus, e.g., the transport of thepresentation folder is simplified, since the presentation folder cannotopen inadvertently and unintentionally.

In particular, with the concertina-like or leporello-like zigzag foldingof several panels, it provides the above mentioned an aspect of closing(e.g., two panels abutting against one another to interact with oneanother, such as in a snap-button fastener), or as a hook closure with afleecy part and a hooked part (colloquially also called a so-called“hook and loop fastener” or “Velcro”), or the like. This preventsseveral panels from opening inadvertently and thus making the handlingof the presentation folder more difficult.

According to another feature of the invention, the contrast or neutralstrips can advantageously be assigned to the individual color samples,and the strips can be arranged on the border of the respective colorsample. Further, it possible to assign a specific color code to eachcolor sample, so that the viewer can clearly identify each color samplewithout having to write the particular color code in the color sampleitself. Also, defacing the color sample, e.g. writing the particularcode on the color sample, could detract from the effect orrecognizability of the color sample. Further, the above mentionedpositioning of the color code on the strip eliminates the need to writethe color code on the reverse of the card where the color code would notbe directly visible until the card was turned over. Secondly, thecontrast or neutral strips can improve the quality of the viewingpossibility that ensure a clear delineation of the individual colorsamples from one another, so as to ensure the color tone can be clearlyand distinctly discernible. The contrast or neutral strips canpreferably be embodied in pure white or as a gray value.

According to another feature of the invention, the above referencedaspect of closure can be embodied as magnets, whereby correspondingmagnets can be provided in two adjacent panels. Further, the magneticforce of the magnets can be determined such that when the panels areopened, the panels do not close automatically. Further, when the panelsare closed, the two closed panels can remain reliably closed. The use ofmagnets has the advantage that the handling of the presentation folderis simplified, since the aspect of closure does not need to be speciallyoperated to close the presentation folder. Furthermore, the magnets canbe easily integrated into the panels, e.g., if the panels are made of astrong plastic or cardboard material, so that no obstructive projectionsare projecting outwards, and a smooth-surface embodiment of thepresentation folder on its outer surfaces is possible. The abovementioned structural attributes of the instant invention can provideruggedness and sturdiness of the presentation folder, since it cannotcatch on obstacles with corresponding outer projections and be damaged.

According to another feature of the invention, the dimensions of thepresentation folder can be arranged to promote easy handling andtransportability. For example, the dimensions of the presentation foldercan be in the range of approx. DIN A 5 to approx. DIN A 0. Further, theformat of the presentation folder can be, e.g., approximately as largeas either letter paper or a file, so as to physically fit into abriefcase or a trunk of a car to be transported from one location toanother location.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is further described in the detailed descriptionwhich follows, in which like reference numerals represent similar partsthroughout the several views of the drawings, and wherein:

FIG. 1 A perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of apresentation folder with two partially opened panels, according to theinstant invention;

FIG. 2 The presentation folder of FIG. 1 with six partially openedpanels, according to the instant invention;

FIG. 3 A plan view of a second exemplary embodiment of a presentationfolder with two fully opened panels, according to the instant invention;

FIG. 4 A plan view similar to FIG. 3, but of a third exemplaryembodiment, according to the instant invention; and

FIG. 5 A plan view similar to FIG. 3 or 4, but of a fourth exemplaryembodiment, according to the instant invention.

DETAILED DESCRITION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a presentation folder 1 having several panels 2, whichincludes a plurality of cards 3. While, the remaining Figures (FIGS.2-5) show the plurality of cards 3 diagrammatically on the left panel 2.

FIG. 2 shows the panels 2 arranged in a zigzag manner similar to aleporello or concertina. In this way, the two panels respectively form apanel pair 4, whereby the insides can be directed towards one anotherand the cards 3 are arranged on these insides of the panels 2.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show the presentation folders 1 partially opened. FIG. 1shows the left panel pair 4 opened approximately 90° or somewhat more,while the two right panel pairs 4 are shown almost closed and/orpartially opened. On the other hand, FIG. 2 shows the two right panelpairs 4 being partially opened (as similarly shown in FIG. 1), but alsoshow the two right panel pairs 4 being opened further than in FIG. 1.

In the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, approximately forty cards3 are provided on a panel 2. In order to be able to accommodate theplurality of cards 3 between two panels 2 of a panel pair 4 in theclosed state of the panel pair 4, if namely the two panels 2 of thepanel pair are aligned approximately parallel to one another, the twopanels are connected to one another via a comparatively wide spine 5,whereby the two panels 2, as is known with a book, connect to the spine5 in a hinged manner. Two adjacent panel pairs 4 can be connected to oneanother via a considerably narrower spine 6, so that all six panels 2 ofthe presentation folder 1 are connected to one another and can behandled together.

In a fully opened state, these six panels 2 of the presentation folder 1may lie in one plane connecting to one another respectively atapproximately 180°. While with the angled arrangement of the individualpanels 2 (see FIGS. 1 and 2), show that different light and shadeconditions can prevail for the cards 3 of the different panels 2. ForExample, in the fully opened, flat extended condition of thepresentation folder 1, the viewer can view all the cards 3 under thesame light conditions.

With the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, ten color samples7 are shown on each card 3. The cards may be made of paper or a strongcardboard, such that despite the very large number of printed colorsamples 7, the entire presentation folder 1 can easily be handled in amobile manner and, e.g., can be carried by a single person. With tencolor samples 7 provided per card 3 and with approx. 40 cards providedper panel 2, thus with approx. 400 colors in all can be displayed perpanel 2. Moreover, the presentation folder 1 can provide the feature ofpossibly displaying approximately 2,400 colors, so that all the colorsof a complete comprehensive color tone system can be presented by thepresentation folder 1. Further, all the color samples 7 provided in thepresentation folder 1 can simultaneously be oriented towards the viewer,since all the insides of the panels 2 bearing the color samples 7 can beoriented towards the viewer.

Further, the presentation folder 1 provides the advantage of allowingaccess to the variety of color samples 7, while being presented in asmall space requirement. To this end, as indicated in FIG. 1, only acertain panel pair 4 can namely be opened, while other panel pairs 4remain closed. In particular, only the panel pair 4 with the desiredcolor sample is opened while the presentation folder 1 is placed on atable, such that the area desired to be viewed or opened, may correspondto the area of a single opened panel pair 4.

The individual cards 3 of the presentation folder 1 can be attached tothe panel 2 along a hinge line 8, so that the individual cards 3 can beopened like pages of a book and pivoted about the hinge line 8.

The individual cards 3 are arranged overlapping one another in themanner of roof tiles, whereby the color samples 7 run on the cards 3respectively up to their exposed uncovered edge. Through this it ispossible to see all the color samples 7 which are arranged on the cards3 of a panel 2 at the same time. Since the color samples 7 run as stripsover the entire width of the card 3, is it possible to view a largerarea of the individual color sample 7 only with the respectivelyuppermost card 3. Through the possibility of opening the cards 3 alongtheir respective hinge line 8, the color samples 7 lying lower andpartially covered can also be viewed in a larger area in that the card 3lying respectively above it and all the cards 3 lying still furtherabove it can be opened.

FIG. 1 shows the hinge line 8 for the card 3 arranged to the far leftand lying in the uppermost region as arrows. It is possible that all thecards 3 have the same width, so that the cards 3 can be attached to thepanel 2 and staggered with respect to one another. Further, acorresponding number of hinge lines 8 can likewise be staggered withrespect to one another, whereby each card 3 has its own hinge line 8.Through this staggered arrangement of the cards 3, the thickness of thecard stack provided on a panel 2 can be kept as small as possible.

FIG. 1 shows a detail section of the cards 3 embodied respectively in anapproximately L-shaped or V-shaped manner in cross section, with a longside piece 10 that bears the visible color samples 7, and with a shortside piece 11. The short side piece 11 may respectively adhered to thepanel 2. A folding line between the two side pieces 10 and 11 can formthe hinge axis 8 of the respective card 3 about which the long sidepiece 10 can be pivoted.

According to another feature of the invention, the hinge line 8 and thecorresponding hinge-like pivoted mobility of the card 3 with respect tothe panel 2, makes it possible to fold open the card 4 with respect tothe panel 2. Further, the flexibility of the card allows for the card 3not to be folded in an L-shaped or V-shaped manner, but allows the card3 to adhere to the panel 2 by lying flat against it. In such a case theflexibility of the card material makes it possible to fold open and bendthe card 3 along its adhered edge even without a prefabricated bendingor folding line.

According to another feature of the invention, FIG. 1 shows the colorcoat application on the cards 3 provided only on their long side piece10. However, deviating from this, the color sample 7 can be embodied ina simple manner in terms of production technology as a continuous stripwhich also extends over the short side piece 11.

According to another feature of the invention, two or more cards 3, orif necessary, all the cards 3 of a panel 2 can have different widths.Wherein, the uppermost card 3 can be embodied as the narrowest and thelowest card 3 can be embodied as the widest, such that these severalcards 3 can be pivoted about a single, common hinge line 8.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show the cards of a panel pair 4 arranged symmetrically tothe spine 5. With the left panel pair 4 shown in these two exemplaryembodiments, the cards 3 are connected to the panel 2 respectively bytheir edge that is remote from the spine 5 and the hinge line 8.

FIG. 3 shows a second exemplary embodiment of a presentation folder, inwhich eight, not ten, color samples 7 are provided per card 3. Also withthis exemplary embodiment, there are just under 40 cards, of which 3cards are provided per panel 2.

In contrast to the first exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, in thisexemplary embodiment the cards 3 of a panel pair 4 are not arrangedsymmetrically to the spine 5 on the two panels 2. But, in this exemplaryembodiment all the cards are attached with an “opening left position,”i.e., the hinge lines 8 of the cards 3 are respectively arranged on theleft on both panels 2.

FIG. 4 shows the third exemplary embodiment of a presentation folder 1,in which the cards 3 of a panel pair 4 are respectively attached on theright to the panel 2.

FIG. 5 shows the fourth exemplary embodiment of a presentation folder 1,such that the cards 3 of a panel pair 4 are arranged symmetrically tothe spine 5. However, in contrast to the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1and 2, the cards 3 do not have their hinge lines 8 on the edge of thecards 3 remote from the spine 5. Instead the cards 3 are hinged, on theedge of the cards 3 close to the spine 5, so that when panel pair 4 isclosed, the individual cards 3 easily lie closely against one anotherand can thereby move slightly, whereby this movement can take placeunimpeded.

FIGS. 3 through 5 show respectively the right edge of the panel pair 4as a broken line in order to indicate that the entire presentationfolder 1 has more than one panel pair 4 and, e.g., like the exemplaryembodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, can comprise three panel pairs 4. However,any number of panel pairs 4 can also be provided, e.g., two or fourpanel pairs 4. Moreover, even with a larger number of panels 2, theleporello-like or concertina-like arrangement of the individual panelsmakes it possible to view all the color samples 7 at the same time.Especially, since no color samples 7 are arranged on a “reverse” of thepresentation folder 1 or of one of the panels 2.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 5, a partial view of the panel2 and some cards 3 arranged behind them show magnets 9 and the materialof the respective panels 2. The differing polarity of the individualmagnets 9 is shown by + and − signs, such that when the two panels arein the open position the magnets will not automatically close thepanels. However, when the two panels are in the closed position, e.g.,arranged parallel to one another and/or closely adjacent to one another,the respectively one + and one − magnet are closely adjacent, so thatthe panels 2 remain held in their closed position by the magnetic force.

If the same arrangement of magnets is also provided for an adjacentpanel pair 4, different magnets can also be attach to one another fromone to the next panel pair 4. Wherein, in the closed arrangement of theentire presentation folder 1, a magnetic connection can be achieved notonly within a panel pair 4, but also between two adjacent panel pairs 4.Thus, a reliably closed arrangement of the entire presentation folder 1is retained until it is deliberately opened.

Still referring to FIG. 5, the closure effect of the magnets 9 or otherclosure type devices can be maximized by arranging the above mentioneddevices (magnets 9 and/or type devices) as far as possible from thehinge about which the two panels 2 are to be held in a closed position.The magnets 9 therefore hold closed the two panels 2 of the panel pair 4shown. However, the magnets 9 with comparatively small closure forcesalso helps to keep a closed position, for the panel shown on the rightof the panel pair 4 with a further panel 2 abutting to the right (notshown). Further, panel 2 connects via a narrow spine 6 (also not shown)to the panel 2 which is viewed on the right in FIG. 5.

Further, it is possible other closure type devices can be used with oneor all of the presentation folders presented above, or anotherembodiment of the presentation folder 1. Moreover, the other closuretype devices may be positioned on a panel near the spine 5, and thusfurther removed from a spine 6 (not shown) so as to provide a closureeffect. Further, other closure type devices may be used with acomparable panel 2 shown on the right of FIG. 5, in order to provideoptimal support for the panel (no longer shown) abutting to the right,of which panel 2 bears a corresponding closure effect at the appropriateplace. Thus, the closure type device may be positioned further removedfrom the spine and preferably arranged in the half of the panel, removedfrom the spine 6.

According to another feature of the invention, magnets or other closuretype devices connected to the panels 2 can be provided where adjacentpanel pairs 4 abut against one another. Since there is a direct contactof the panels 2, other closure type devices other than the magnets 9 canalso be used, e.g., elements magnetically corresponding to one another,such as snap-button fasteners or a hook fastener. For example, the twoouter panels 2 of a presentation folder 1 can thereby be free of closuretype devices or they can feature closure type devices corresponding toone another, such as a fastening encompassing the presentation folder 1.In this regard, the entire presentation folder 1 can be reliably heldclosed and the color samples are protected, e.g., during transport.

1-19. (canceled)
 20. A presentation folder for color samples,comprising: at least two panels forming at least one panel pair, whereinthe at least two panels are hingedly coupled by a spine to move from afirst closed position to a second opened position, wherein in the firstclosed position the at least two panels are aligned approximatelyparallel to one another, and interior surfaces of the at least twopanels face towards the other, and in the second open position, theinterior surfaces of the at least two panels are visible and the atleast two panels are aligned to one another at an angle; and cardscomposed of color samples are positioned on the interior surface of theat least two panels, and the cards are arranged to partially overlap oneanother.
 21. A device in accordance with claim 20, wherein the at leasttwo panels are aligned to one another at an angle of at least 90° ormore.
 22. A device in accordance with claim 20, wherein the at least onecolor sample of the at least one card includes one of a plurality ofcolors and all colors of a color tone system.
 23. A device in accordancewith claim 20, wherein the presentation folder includes more than twopanels.
 24. A device in accordance with claim 23, wherein a number ofthe more than two panels is one of an even number and at least fourpanels.
 25. A device in accordance with claim 20, wherein the cards aremade of one of paper and plastic.
 26. A device in accordance with claim20, wherein the cards arranged on a the at least two panels are one ofapproximately the same size and are arranged staggered with respect toone another.
 27. A device in accordance with claim 20, wherein the cardsare one of approximately L-shaped and approximately V-shaped in crosssection with at least one side piece that visibly shows the at least onecolor.
 28. A device in accordance with claim 20, wherein the cards areone of approximately L-shaped and approximately V-shaped in crosssection having at least one long side piece that visibly shows the atleast one color and/or at least one short side is detachably attached toat least one panel of the at least two panels.
 29. A device inaccordance with claim 27, wherein a folding line arranged between the atleast one long side and the at least one short side forms at least onehinge axis about which the at least one long side pivots.
 30. A devicein accordance with claim 20, wherein the color samples are printed colorsamples.
 31. A device in accordance with claim 20, wherein at least oneof the cards is pivotally detachably attached about at least one hingeaxis to a panel of the at least two panels, such that when the at leastone card is folded open, another card, which is positioned beneath theat least one card, becomes at least partially visible.
 32. A device inaccordance with claim 31, wherein the another card is positioned beneaththe at least one card and partially visible to an extent of one of 50%or more and 80% to 90%.
 33. A device in accordance with claim 20,wherein two or more the color samples are arranged along at least onehinge axis, whereby a plurality of the cards are pivotally detachablyattached about the at least one hinge axis.
 34. A device in accordancewith claim 33, wherein the at least one hinge axis runs parallel to theone or more spine.
 35. A device in accordance with claim 34, wherein theat least one hinge axis comprises hinge axes positioned respectively ona same side of the at least two panels arranged adjacent one another.36. A device in accordance with claim 34, wherein the at least one hingeaxis comprises hinge axes symmetrically arranged to the spine arrangedbetween the at least two panels.
 37. A device in accordance with claim20, wherein a closure device ensures the at least two panels remain inthe first closed position.
 38. A device in accordance with claim 37,wherein the closure device comprises at least two magnets.
 39. A devicein accordance with claim 38, wherein at least one magnet of the at leasttwo magnets is arranged in each panel of the at least two panels toprovide a detachable closure effect for the first closed position of theat least two panels, and a magnetic effect of which is determined toallow the at least two panels to remain in the second open position ofthe at least two panels.
 40. A device in accordance with claim 20,wherein at least one further panel of the at least one panel pair isdetachably attached to at least one side of the at least panel pair, andthat a narrow spine of the one or more spine is provided between thepanel pair and the further panel, such that the narrow spine is narrowerthan the one or more spine arranged between the at least two panels ofthe at least one panel pair.
 41. A device in accordance with claim 40,wherein a closure device ensures the at least two panels remain in thefirst closed position, such that the closure device is positioned in anapproximately half of the at least two panels remote from the narrowspine.